Salisbury Cathedral, one of England’s finest cathedrals, boasts the tallest spire in England - an incredible feat of medieval engineering - and is home to one of only four original surviving copies of Magna Carta. The cathedral is a must-see on a tour of southern England. 

One of England’s greatest architectural treasures, Salisbury Cathedral dates back over 800 years. We regularly include the cathedral in our tours as it really is unmissable! Climb the 332 steps to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of Salisbury; see the world’s oldest mechanical clock and witness the best-preserved original 1215 Magna Carta.

Photo by Joe Hoey

The cathedral offers a range of ‘Behind the Scenes’ experiences, including visiting the fascinating Stonemasonry Works Yard, taking a tour of the tower to the foot of the spire or visiting the historic Cathedral Library. From stained glass tours to medieval clock demonstrations, there are plenty of incredible experiences that you can enjoy as part of your visit to Salisbury Cathedral. Here are three fascinating experiences we would recommend.

Textile Treasures

A unique opportunity to discover more about the history of Salisbury Cathedral through its collection of beautiful and intricately stitched ecclesiastical textiles. Featuring altar frontals, kneelers and wall hangings, some dating back to the 17th century. A knowledgeable guide will reveal the history and fascinating stories behind the cathedral’s collection while also offering an opportunity to get up close, to fully appreciate the skills of the embroiderers who created them.

Graffiti Tour

Photo by Joe Hoey

Join a fascinating tour to discover the ancient graffiti etched on the walls of Salisbury Cathedral. The cathedral’s knowledgeable guides will explore hexafoils and curses, gaming boards and music, symbols of religion, heraldry and pilgrimage, as well as design drawings left behind by the stonemasons. Discover hidden stories of the people who worked, worshipped and visited the Cathedral over the past eight hundred years.

Magna Carta: Our Salisbury Story

Photo by Joe Hoey

Magna Carta: Our Salisbury Story is a new tour, currently in development, which will explore the history of Magna Carta - how it came to Salisbury, stories of its time at the cathedral and why it remains there. This tour will also cover its significance to democracy, and links to the US Constitution. Contact us if you would like to find out more. 

The ancient medieval city of Salisbury is well worth a visit in its own right. The Cathedral Close is Britain’s largest, an oasis in the city with rolling green lawns fringed by historic houses, where four of the city’s most popular attractions are located. Salisbury Museum, The Rifles Museum, the National Trust’s Mompesson House and Arundells – the former home and garden of British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath – all offer a special insight into the history of this charming city.

Stonehenge

Salisbury is just 75 miles from London and is the perfect stop-off point on a tour of England’s south west. The city is within easy reach of attractions such as Old Sarum Iron Age hillfort, Stourhead, one of the world’s finest landscaped gardens, and Stonehenge, England’s iconic prehistoric monument which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of England, including a visit to Salisbury to see the remarkable cathedral, please do contact our friendly team today.

All photos (except Stonehenge) courtesy of Salisbury Cathedral.